By Ayo Kehinde
The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised the alarm in an intelligence reports indicating imminent attacks by suspected members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in parts of Ondo and Kogi States.
In an internal memo addressed to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Owena Cantonment, Akure, the DSS warned of coordinated attacks being planned by the terrorist group.
Dated October 20, 2025 and titled “Imminent Attacks in Ondo State by Members of ISWAP”, the memo revealed that the group had identified specific targets across some communities in the two states.
According to the memo, some of the targeted locations within Ondo State include Eriti Akoko and Oyin Akoko communities in Akoko North West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town in Owo Local Government Area.
“It was further gathered that the groups have commenced surveillance on potential soft targets in the above-mentioned locations. Consequently, there is need to scale up the level of security alertness in the various communities to forestall any untoward situation”, the letter read in part.
The DSS urged military authorities and other security agencies to intensify surveillance and security operations in the affected areas to prevent possible attacks and ensure the safety of residents.
The letter was signed by H.I. Kana, who acted on behalf of the State Director of Security, Ondo State.
Security sources confirmed that the intelligence agency has shared the alert with other sister agencies for coordinated preventive action.
Residents of the affected communities have been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.
While the DSS memo was marked “Secret”, it underscores growing concerns about the spread of ISWAP’s operational activities beyond Nigeria’s North-East region, where the group has been most active.
As of press time, no official statement had been issued by the DSS headquarters or the Nigerian Army regarding the alert, but local authorities in Ondo and Kogi are reportedly enhancing security measures in response to the warning.
